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MBA Spotlight: Jorge Sotolongo

Jorge Sotolongo finished his MBA coursework in Innsbruck, Austria, returning with increased confidence and a new job as a commercial real estate broker.

With a bachelor’s degree in biology and a desire for a new career track, Jorge Sotolongo decided to earn a Master of Business Administration degree.

“I had zero business experience and never had a business class in my life,” he said. “The MBA served as an immersive, fast-paced way for me to take my career in a different direction.”

As expected, Sotolongo earned his degree and started a new career. But what exceeded his expectations were all the opportunities available to him as an MBA student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“One thing that stood out to me early on was that the faculty and staff want you to succeed,” he said. “From the first day I visited the MBA offices to my last day of class and now as a UNO MBA alumnus — they have never stopped advocating for me.”

In the program, he wasted no time getting involved. Sotolongo served on the dean’s graduate student advisory board and attended MBA open houses and other networking events.

“Two of the most significant opportunities of my MBA experience, my graduate assistantship and a semester in Austria, resulted directly from the help and coordination of MBA faculty and staff. These experiences have undoubtedly helped shape me and my career. I am incredibly grateful.”

“The MBA served as an immersive, fast-paced way for me to take my career in a different direction.”

 Jorge Sotolongo

Sotolongo worked as a graduate assistant for the Nebraska Business Development Center’s Procurement Technical Assistance Program, helping small businesses seeking government contracts.

In addition to his assistantship, he was able to finish his final semester in Innsbruck, Austria, while completing an internship as a marketing strategist.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sotolongo said his desire to study abroad came from his interest in languages and culture.

“While in Innsbruck, I was exposed to a new curriculum, I took fascinating courses and experienced working in a European company,” he said. “There were days where I found myself speaking English, Spanish, French, and German — all in one day. It was an incredible experience.”

Thanks to his internship and experiences abroad, Sotolongo said he returned to Omaha with a renewed sense of confidence and optimism.

A couple months later, he accepted a job offer as a commercial real estate broker at NAI NP Dodge.

“My MBA experience taught me to take chances and remain confident in myself,” he said. “I have no doubt that my current job is the result of that.”

To learn more about UNO’s MBA program, visit mba.unomaha.edu.